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Month: October 2021

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Rail Europe – Discover Great Britain with an impressive train network via Britrail

Rail Europe – Discover Great Britain with an impressive train network via Britrail

Given that Great Britain was home to the first full-scale working railway, it’s not surprising that it still has a very impressive train network. From the White Cliffs of Dover to the Scottish Highlands, from London to the Lake District, you can count on the trains to take you on an exploratory trip through the country’s history and heritage. Whether you’re travelling to the capitals of London, Edinburgh or Cardiff, to the traditional rural towns of the Cotswolds or to Cornwall, there’s always available rail to make your
adventure the best of British.

UK rail network as below:

Route (point to point tickets) Best Travel Time
Glasgow <> Edinburgh 0hrs 58mins
London Kings Cross <> York 1 hr 51 mins
London Kings Cross <> Cambridge 0 hrs 48 mins
London Kings Cross <> Newcastle 2 hrs 51 mins
London St Pancras <> Nottingham 1 hr 44 mins
London Euston <> Manchester Piccadilly 2 hrs 07 mins
London Euston <> Birmingham New Street 1 hr 22 mins
Birmingham New Street <> Glasgow Central 3 hrs 57 mins
Manchester Piccadilly <> Edinburgh Haymarket 3 hrs 18 mins

Onboard services

Train Companies run many different types of trains across the rail network, offering a range of facilities.
All trains are totally non-smoking and offer Standard seating.

Some trains offer additional facilities such as:

  • Catering
  • WiFi
  • Seat reservations (compulsory reservation may be required, such as LNER services in peak hours)
Philippine Airlines – Bacolod, The City of Smile

Philippine Airlines – Bacolod, The City of Smile

Known as the City of Smiles because of the friendly disposition of its residents, Metro Bacolod – comprised of the cities of Bacolod, Talisay and Silay – boasts heritage mansions, modern culinary offerings and a robust art scene. Complete your visit with a day tour to these nearby getaways.

Things To See & Do

Sipalay
This quiet coastal town four hours from Bacolod City has earned the moniker “Jewel of Negros” for its clear waters and posh waterfront private residences that overlook stone formations covered in lush vegetation. Divers will enjoy exploring any of the 44 diving sites that all promise different species of fish and colorful coral reefs.

Danjugan Island
Getting to this eco-tourism destination involves a three-hour drive from Bacolod City and a 30-minute ferry ride. Once a threatened and over-fished area, Danjugan Island is now a protected sanctuary with thriving marine and terrestrial life. Danjugan has five lagoons, numerous coral reefs and limestone forests, and you can even spend the night.

The Ruins
Take a selfie at The Ruins in Talisay City – a two-level mansion in the middle of an hacienda that was built in early 1900s and destroyed by American troops in WWII.

 

Where To Dine & Drink

Carbin Reef
The whole trip from Bacolod City to this sandbar in the middle of the 32,000ha Sagay Marine Reserve takes about three hours, including a short ferry ride. Dip into the pristine waters while tucking into a feast of ceviche, grilled seafood, chicken and lechon, all prepared by Enting’s Special of Sagay – make sure you give them at least one week’s notice.

Ann Co Cakes
Beat the heat with a bowl of halo-halo at Ann Co Cakes, a dessert store in Silay City

Virgie's Homemade Products
Buy your food souvenirs at Virgie’s Homemade Products – you can’t go wrong with the mango tarts and galletas.

PAL flights schedule from Manila to Bacolod and return

Sector Flight No Departure Arrival Frequency
MNL - BCD PR 2131 12:25 13:40 MON - FRI
BCD – MNL PR 2132 14:30 15:45 MON - FRI - SUN
Aeroflot – Orsk, the city of an admirable historical buildings

Aeroflot – Orsk, the city of an admirable historical buildings

Orsk is a city in the Orenburg region lying at the foot of the Ural Mountains, close to the Kazakhstan–Russia border. You wouldn’t call the city a tourist destination, although its numerous architectural and historical monuments give it a good chance of becoming one. Admirable historical buildings, the famous jasper deposits and a peculiar geographical setting make the city worth visiting.

Mount Preobrazhenskaya is the symbol of the Old City. This is where the first Orsk fortress was founded in 1735. Here you can find a special commemorative plaque and the city’s oldest Preobrazhensky Cathedral. Originally built of wood, it was rebuilt repeatedly to eventually acquire its modern look in the traditional Old Russian style in the late 19th century. Next to it is the Nikolskaya Church.

Besides, the Sovetsky district can boast many old buildings and constructions, such as the house of the merchant Nazarov (1871), the city council office (1890), the mansion of the merchant Aksenov (1910), the residential house of the merchant Matz (1916) and the girl’s high school located in the house of the merchant Khamitov (1914). Built in the German classicism style, Orsk railway station should be given particular attention. Once in the New Town, you should definitely visit the Museum of Local Lore, which unravels the history of these places, the Church of Perpetual Help of Our Lady (the only Catholic church in Orsk) and the Central Park of Culture and Rest to relax after a long walk.

SU flight schedule from Bangkok (BKK) - Sheremetyevo (SVO) - Orsk (OSW) and return.

Sector Flight No Departure Arrival  Frequency
BKK - SVO SU273 02:55  09:15 Saturday
SVO - OSW SU1060 10:45 15:20  Daily
 
Sector Flight No Departure Arrival Frequency
OSW - SVO SU1061 16:20 17:10 Daily 
SVO - BKK SU272 21:25  10:40  Saturday